How far is Oskaloosa, IA from Ames, IA?
The driving distance from Oskaloosa, IA to Ames, IA is about 90.3 miles (145.4 km), with a travel time of about 01h 28m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 71.7 miles (115.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 56m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 01h 28m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in Jasper County, Iowa
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Oskaloosa and Ames.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Oskaloosa and Ames.
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1
Start on the route
17 m · 6 sec
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2
Turn right onto A Avenue East
1.5 mi · 3 min · A Avenue East
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3
Take the ramp right
1925 ft · 47 sec
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4
Merge slight left
51.9 mi · 1 hr
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5
Take the exit right
2180 ft · 53 sec
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6
Merge slight left onto Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
3.8 mi · 4 min · Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
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7
Take the exit slight left toward I 80 West: Council Bluffs
1.2 mi · 1 min
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8
Merge slight left
1.4 km · 1 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward I-35 north: Minneapolis
2714 ft · 1 min
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10
Continue on I-35 north: Minneapolis
1758 ft · 43 sec
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11
Continue on I-35 North: Minneapolis
2751 ft · 52 sec
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12
Merge slight left onto I 35 North: Minneapolis
25.7 mi · 28 min
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13
Take the exit slight right toward USDA Veterinary Labs
1758 ft · 45 sec
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14
Turn left onto East 13th Street
2.7 mi · 5 min · East 13th Street
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 13th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Oskaloosa and Ames.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
A Avenue East
Merge slight left
51.9 mi · 01h 00m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Sunny leaving Oskaloosa and Mostly Sunny near Ames.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Oskaloosa to Ames?
The road trip is about 90.3 miles (145.4 km) and usually takes 01h 28m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Prairie City is a useful midpoint, sitting about 45 miles from Oskaloosa and 45.3 miles from Ames.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 71.7 miles (115.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 18.6 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 3:34 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $12.03 one way or $24.06 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 28.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Oskaloosa and Mostly Sunny near Ames.
Stop Ideas Near Prairie City
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Prairie City.
Osceola
Ottumwa station
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Oskaloosa and Ames. Straight-line distance: 71.68 mi (115.36 km).
#1 Oskaloosa
City in and the county seat of Mahaska County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 11,803 |
| Coordinates | 41.2963900, -92.6443600 |
| Altitude | 256 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Ames
The most populous city in Story County, Iowa.
| Population | 67,033 |
| Coordinates | 42.0347100, -93.6199400 |
| Altitude | 287 |
| Country | United States |
End: 13th Street (-93.619967, 42.034517)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 145 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 00m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 15m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 48m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 30m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 17m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 07m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $12.03 | $24.06 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $13.57 | $27.13 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $14.85 | $29.69 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $16.92 | $33.84 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Iowa · Jun 03, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.